“Relentless, a riveting blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah, is a groundbreaking red from Napa Valley …”
— James Laube, Wine Spectator

The cool weather in spring continued into the sunny, mild summer, holding fruit development to a slow, even pace. With extra work in the vineyard, pruning away any less than idea fruit, we enjoyed a harvest of beautiful clusters leaded with elegant, enticing flavor.

Winemakers notes
“This latest Relentless is all about rich, ripe elegance offering alluring aromas and flavors of classic Syrah meatiness along with black plum, black pepper, black fig, smoke, forest floor and subtle black truffle. The mouthfeel is seamless and round from front of the palate through the finish with a texture that is liquid silk. The finish lingers on and on. This vintage will continue to offer new pleasures with more time in the cellar.”
— Shafer winemaker Elias Fernandez

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This wine honors long-time Shafer Winemaker Elias Fernandez and his relentless pursuit of quality. Sourced from small ridgetop and foothills vineyards adjacent to the southern border of Stags Leap District, Relentless is a proprietary blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah.

The two grape varieties grow side by side in vineyard blocks that offer a variety of sun exposures throughout the day, including steep eastern blocks for lots of morning sun and westward sloping blocks, offering midday and late day solar exposure. Thanks to its thin, volcanic soil and quick runoff the vineyard consistently delivers effusive flavors.

At harvest the Syrah and Petite Sirah varieties are typically picked, crushed, fermented and barrel aged together, producing a wine of distinctive richness and elegance.

“ … exhibits a similar opaque blue/purple color [as the 2010] as well as remarkable concentration and balance. With stunning perfume, purity, texture and full-bodied richness … this compelling effort is one of the superstars of the vintage in 2011.”— Robert M. Parker, Jr., The Wine Advocate